“The Persians” by Aeschylus – Directed by Dimos Avdeliodis

“The Persians” by Aeschylus is tragedian’s most important anti-war play and it is considered as the earliest tragedy to survive.

Xerxes and his army of young Asian boys are trying to conquer Greece. The unjustified time that has passed without hearing any news, makes the Elders anxious and it makes them talk about their ultimate fear in front of the Palace. The same unconscious certainty brings Atossa, mother of Xerxes, in front of them, in order to confide in them her bad dream. Consequently, the Messenger comes as the personification of the truth. He is tough and liberating at the same time by converting agony into mourning. The Queen pours libations on her husband’s grave to gain emotional strength from the souls that have been lost. The ghost of Darius makes his appearance and he comforts his wife by explaining the defeat of the Persian Army. Xerxes returns humiliated and devastated. His wail bursts as a cry for the irreversible time.

“The grave importance of the play can be identified on Aeschylus’ stance towards the Greek Victory, and incidentally on the aesthetic of the dramaturgy. Aeschylus stares at that Victory through the gaze of the defeated. This is neither a dramaturgical trick for the apotheosis of the winners nor an expression of mercy towards the defeated. (The great tragedians are not interested in presenting a good play as a didactic one).

It is the basic characteristic of the excess of the ancient Greek dialectical spirit that seeks for the truth. This quest is not driven by a philosophical or ethical obsession, but it is a practical need in order to be able of comprehending deeply the importance of the actions. Hence, one can realize the consequences of his choices and he can avoid the pain that is brought by ignorance and arrogance.“